Electron Configurations and Atomic Structure

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to electron configurations, atomic structure, and the behavior of light in physics.

Amplitude

How high the wave is from its original point.

Wavelength

Distance between crests or the length of a wave from start to finish, measured in nanometers.

Frequency (v)

Tells how fast the wave oscillates, measured in 1/s or Hz.

Speed of light (c)

Constant speed at which light travels, approximately 3.00 x 10^8 m/s.

Inverse relationship of wavelength and frequency

As wavelength increases, frequency decreases.

Line spectrum

Only certain colors are given off at specific wavelengths.

Continuous spectrum

The whole visible light spectrum is emitted without interruptions.

Coulombic attraction

The attractive force between positive protons and negative electrons.

Heisenberg's uncertainty principle

It is impossible to know both the speed and position of an electron at the same time.

Quantum mechanical model

Explains the probability of finding electrons in certain locations around the nucleus.

Atomic orbital

The region around the nucleus where an electron with a given energy is likely to be found.

S-orbital

A spherical orbital that can hold a maximum of 2 electrons.

P-orbital

An orbital with three types that can hold a maximum of 6 electrons.

D-orbital

An orbital shaped like two dumbbells that can hold a maximum of 10 electrons.

Pauli Exclusion Principle

No two electrons can occupy the same orbital with the same spin.

Aufbau Principle

Electrons are added one at a time to the lowest energy orbital available.

Hund's Rule

Electrons stay unpaired until all subshells have an electron before pairing up.